http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20120120/NEWS01/201200303/Richland-Co-Children-Services-OKs-resolution-court-orders
MANSFIELD -- Richland County Juvenile Court Judge Ron Spon said he was "certain" the Children Services Board met Thursday about a proposed agreement to avoid a potential contempt of court hearing.
The board went into closed session for 90 minutes, then voted 12-0 to pass a resolution. Attorney R. Scot Harvey would not disclose the nature of the resolution, citing a Tuesday status conference before Spon.
"Out of respect for the court and the judicial proceedings, the board is not prepared to discuss the resolution that was passed at this time," he said after the meeting.
The News Journal filed a public records request to see the resolution.
"A public vote on such a matter is a matter of public record, and results could and should be released immediately," News Journal general manager Tom Brennan said.
In an email sent Thursday, Harvey said the information would be provided today.
Last Friday, Spon called employees of Children Services to juvenile court for not following his orders. The issue was surveillance tape of an Aug. 22 incident in the public lobby of the agency.
A man, represented by attorney George Keyser, said a caseworker threatened to take his recorder and ended his visit with his daughter early.
Spon ordered the agency to turn over the surveillance tape, but that never happened. Reportedly, the incident has since been taped over.
"There were two board members that were present (last Friday). The proposal went forward, and one of the board members indicated they were meeting very, very soon to consider the proposal and to take action," Spon said.
If the board does not approve the agreement, a contempt hearing will take place Jan. 30.
"If it is approved, the court will enforce the agreement," Spon said.
Under terms of the proposed agreement, the board would admit that Children Services Director Randy Parker told staff not to release the security video. Parker also would have to appear before the court to apologize.
The contempt action is against only the board, not Parker and Children Services attorney Edith Gilliland. Spon said attorneys could refile against those two.
Spon said he looked forward to resolving the matter.
"The board is going to report what their position will be (Tuesday)," he said.
mcaudill@nncogannett.com
419-521-7219
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